1982gl4's 1992 L things are breaking

[1982gl4]

New here, and thought that I would show off my "new" ride. She's a 1992 Legacy L from Oregon I picked up Locally in VT for $500!! It came to me as a plain automatic needing some work. I just turned it over 195k yesterday, and she's still running like a champ. This is my second first gen (the first being a lifted 92 LS ) And now that I'm addicted to lego's I decided to join here, on top of all of the other forums I'm already on :smile: Anyway here are some pics of when I got it and what it looks like now, along with my old legacy I sold to pay for this one.

List of mods include

Interior:
Forester Digi compass
Kenwood headunit
2002 wrx all weather floor mats
JVC 6" speakers
2002 WRX front seats
2002 WRX rear seat
1991 L Door panels (one color instead of a weave pattern)

Engine/Drivetrain:
1997 OB 4:11 Five speed trans (no more auto!!!!)
Ule headers
Custom center pipe
WRX axel back
Modded intake....

Exterior:
Turbo Grill
Custom painted badge
Retrofitted Projector Headlights
Rally Armor Red UR Mud Flaps
legacy GT wheels
Hella lights and custom light var
1994 LGT badging
1994 LGT Lip Kit
1994 LGT color matched mirrors
JDM'D tails
Blacked out tailgate
Honda rear wiper upgrade
Road sign skid plate
I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of for now

Brakes/Suspension:
Wrx struts (all four)
Stock springs and mounts
LGT front Brakes
Rear outback sway bar

Up next probably a four hellas, and a light bar, and I would like to do a steering wheel someday.

When I first got it
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/73jpgt1306685030-1.jpg

Zero Rust. NONE!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/23jpgt1306685030-1.jpg

Now

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/32-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/145jpgt1306684251-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/182-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/616-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/44-1.jpg

And My first, first gen
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/46jpgt1306684387-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

The old one, was it mica black? And do you have any idea what the wheels are that came on the 92 when you got it? I like them. Maybe look into this, http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... 69&start=0 (http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=41269&start=0) it will change the whole look of the car so much and for the good.

[1982gl4]

Yeah the first one was mica black, it was a repaint, and it had a ton of red pearl in the paint, it looked very nice. I miss that car :-? The wheels that came on the new one are 15" VW wheels, it think off a mid 90's passat. I never really cared for them that much, but they got the job done to get it home. And does that mod work for the wagons! Because that is so sick! I'm going to look into doing that today!

[1982gl4]

Yeah I just looked into the tails, I have one finished already, but I'm not going to use it, it's one off from my beat up parts car figured I would try it there first, Later today I may try my good ones! I like the looks of it a lot. Thanks for the link!

[1982gl4]

Well I did the tails, I only broke one of them :lol: oh well what are you going to do? I glued it back together, and you can't really even tell so good enough for me! I also took some more interior shots as well.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/613jpgt1306776571-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/810jpgt1306776571-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/99jpgt1306776571-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/221jpgt1306776571-1.jpg

LGT rear seat
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/126jpgt1306776571-1.jpg

And my digi compass out of a Forester
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/45jpgt1306777201-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

What year forester did that come out of? The tail lights look good too. Oh nice brat in the background in the second picture, looks really clean. The reason I asked about the old wagon being mica black is my 93 sedan is mica black. I love that color, its not very common and its super pretty in the sun light. :) I'm gonna be following you're car now.

[1982gl4]

The compass is out of any first gen forester with an "offroad package" I think it was called that anyway. They sit on top of the dash where that useless cubby normally is. It's a pretty rare option being that package cost around $700, they were also available on the RS25s.

And yeah I loved my old Mica Black wagon, it came from mass from the original owner I drove it all last winter after lifting it, and fell in love. After seeing this one and how good it was I just couldn't pass it up.

The Brat wasn't super clean when I got it, there's still some rust and such. Here's a link I haven't worked on it in a while, as I have been working on this....
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=117101&highlight=Brat+build%21

And please do follow! I hope to be doing some more work this week, maybe wrx struts!!!

[DarkPhoenix]

Some nice 1st gens! Very clean considering they are almost 20 years old.

Good luck with them.

[1982gl4]

I ordered 2002 wrx struts (kyb gr2's) ! Can't wait to get them in, I also got some sway bar links and bushings on the way, as mine are rattling quite a bit.

[Danny-G]

How did you wire the forester compass in? I checked the one forester in a wrecking yard local to me and it has the compass so I'm going to look into adding that, it just looks too sweet to pass up.

[1982gl4]

There's only like five wires to hook it up, and they are all labeled on the back side of it where the connecter plugs in! Make sure you grab the temp sensor up front, they are usually behind the grill. It's a very easy upgrade and well worth it!

[1982gl4]

Just got some dual piston front calipers, they aren't much good, so they will make a good core, when I do the upgrade, but who cares they were free! I also repainted so foz wheels to put on.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/152jpgt1310924528-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

Best fozz wheels for a first gen. legacy. I gotta get new tires on my set then I'll finally have them back on vs the 14" american racing six spokes.

[1982gl4]

I agree. I had them on my old first gen and loved them. They fit perfectly as far as offset. The tires I have are a bit big, but they fill the wheel wheels nicely as well. I got lucky no 14's for this car. It came with a set of v-dub passat wheels, but all the belts were broken in the tires so now these are going on, as I have first gen turbo wheels on it now that belong to my swapped brat....

[Danny-G]

When I was running my fozz wheels, the rear tires rubbed whenever I would corner hard, catch a bigger bump, or hit almost any pothole. Those tires are down to the wear bar too so expect some rubbing in those comditions unless you roll the rear fenders and maybe lightly pull the lip out too. If you can find some spacers for the top of the struts then the rubbing won't be an issue. Its not really required but that little rubber stud thing that sticks out of the lower spring mount in the rear could use a trimming as it will probably rub the tire. The tire rubbing was at stock height on a sedan so if you'r still at stock it might happen, the stud thing is just a minor thing that doesn't really need to be done.

[1982gl4]

I never had that issue on my last one that was stock hight. I later lifted it, but the whole time I had this wheel/tire combo they never rubbed. What size tires did you have? These are a little smaller than the fozz tires as I had them on my wrx (205/55R16's) and the fit really well on the car
This before I outbacked my old car
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/42-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

The tire size is the problem, I was running stock fozz sized tires which are, I believe, a 215/55 R16. So the sidewall difference is where I got the rubbing issues.

[1982gl4]

Ahh okay. Yeah these fit great never had an issue with them. I later went to taller tires after the lift and those would rub if I was really getting after it off road, and the 4eat hated the larger tires it was geared so wrong.... I'm hopping this one will be a bit better after as I have an outback 4:11 trans in it now so the larger tires should help it out. It's a bit short right now.

I should be doing the brakes on it this week so I'll take some pics and post them up, but my brat's been taking most of my time lately....

[Wagaru]

my wife wouldn't come up off her 16" foz wheels, hard as I tried. so instead I just put the outback limited wheels on mine. I really like the look of "s" wheels on 1g lego's. you car is looking friggen awesome. I really want some xxr 962's. one can dream right?

[1982gl4]

Got the new wheels on, and moddified my grill a bit. I didn't like the chrome, and the emblem was getting kind of beat up, so I fixed both of those things. Next I have to do brakes and struts.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/612-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/07/516jpgt1312032420-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

How did you get the chrome out of the stars? That chrome is stopping me from finishing my badge cause I don't know how to get rid of it. I totally plan on doing my badge in the same colors too!

[1982gl4]

I used paint thinner to take the black off, and I think that may have softened it, I was then able to remove it with a small pick, It came out pretty well for my first attempt!

[1982gl4]

Worked on this some today. Pulled the rear struts out going to replace all four with KYB GR's WRX struts. Should make a good bit of difference. I'm also replacing all four brakes (upgrading the front to dual pistons) Can't wait this thing is going to be a beast this winter.
I also noticed for the first time today that there's no rear swaybar I found this very odd as every other early 90's leggy I've had has had one. But I guess they have all been upper models such as a gt, and a ls. So I may add one of those soon as well.

[Navi271]

My friends 95 impreza didn't have one either, I also thought it was weird...

I hear all you need to do is drill and tap, then swaybar brackets should bolt right on.

[1982gl4]

Yeah I'm not too worried about the rear sway, I have all the bits to change it out, and I will get there soon, but the struts are on priority. Speaking of which I got the rears in today, and wow is it better. I also got the new rear brakes on, and painted up the calipers while I was there. I ran into an issue with my parking brake though, one of the shoes fell off, so I'm going to order a set for it tomorrow. Also happening tomorrow the fronts are going in, I'll be pulling the struts in the A.M. and bringing them to work in the afternoon to swap out the struts. And the new larger brakes will be going on later tomorrow as well.
Pics of progress
All the new parts (the new front struts are still at work)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/225-1.jpg

It all back together (I know red is over done, but I had to do it with those flaps :cool: )

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/323-1.jpg

And just a cool shot if it next to my EJ swap (in progress) brat

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/130-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

Mmmmmm Big brakes :cool: They work so well, such a good upgrade I would recommend it to anyone. Also got the new front struts in, it handles so much better now. Just need to add a sway bar and we will be set to go!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/421-1.jpg

Old rotor vs. the new one.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/226-1.jpg

And I took a picture of my refinished grill. Really improved the look.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/131-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

Blacked out my tailgate today. I think it came out pretty well. I would have painted it the correct color, but the parts store didn't have any cans they could custom mix paint in. So this was my alternative, I did this mostly because the paint was falling off, and the edges were getting some rust. Best to fix things before they get bad in my opinion :grin:

Anyway it went from this (P.O. put stickers on the paint :smt018 )
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/156jpgt1313701226-1.jpg

primer
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/231-1.jpg

The finished product!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/08/329-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

I added a bash plate today I had kicking around (it's off from and 1982 subaru gl wagon) it fit with some minimal modification, and should be a big help to my oil pan.

The center bolt hole was already there, so I just had to add the two outer bolts
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/110-1.jpg

I had to cut out a small section by the drain plug so I could get at it
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/38-1.jpg

And drilled one hole on the back side (the holes were already drilled in the cover for the rack so I could just drop bolts down through)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/29-1.jpg

I also added a couple of these :grin:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/45-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

Today I took this thing to work. I added the rear sway bar which involved relocating my exhaust, but was well worth it. It's probably my favorite mod besides the five speed, and the wrx seats. It made a huge difference in the handling. I forgot to take pictures of the mounts I made that attach the links to the suspension. They came out really well, although I may add some more strength in just to make myself feel better about them. They are already to stock standards if not more. I changed the oil pressure sensor because it was staring to leak. I also added my rear LGT wing. In adding the wing I almost blew my rear window into a thousand tiny pieces, as I was welding the holes where the old dust deflector used to mount a piece of slag rolled down the rear window, stopped mid way, and started to burn through it. It didn't break but left a decent enough mark... I hope it doesn't brake this winter as it does not look fun to change. Anyway some pics from today.

Paints to come. Not sure if I want to keep it red as it looks nice with the flaps, or black for the tailgate, or white for the car :?:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/31-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/4-2.jpg

These are the only modifications done, I cut the edges to fit over the trim, ground down the front edge so I could open my hatch, and used the four screws that held on the original dust deflector. It fits really well. I love the looks of it
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/5-2.jpg

A larger outback sway bar. The stock 94 one I have and was going to put on is only half the size. This is much better.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/7-2.jpg

This is the section of the exhaust that had to be remade as it hit the sway bar. Other than that no real modifications were needed the bolt holes in the floor were already there for the mounts.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/8-2.jpg

And just a cool shot to end the post in :)

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/21-2.jpg

[1982gl4]

Woke up this morning to this :cry:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/12-1.jpg

That piece of slag that fell on the window caused it, my own doing really... you can see where it landed
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/22-1.jpg

A couple hours, a throttle cable, and four guitar strings later I have another one out. It's going in this week. Going to get it prepped for the guy I know that does glass work. Oh well, good thing for parts cars.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/13-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Cool thread. Love the DIY mentality. Good on you!

[1982gl4]

Thanks, I love doing everything myself, makes me feel accomplished!

New rear window is in, and I have painted the wing, and the rest of the hatch. Came out pretty well, there's one run I'll fix at some point. Anyway some pics of the finished product.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/14-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/10/23-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

Just oil under coated this with bar and chain oil, it's good stuff very sticky. I also pulled out the fender liners and cleaned the dirt out of the inside of the fenders where they always gather loads of stuff to keep it from rusting. I then undercoated the inside of the rockers as well. I have studded Hankook I-pikes on it they are some of the best snow tires I've ever had. It's winter ready now! Good thing too, we just got our first snow!

[Danny-G]

When you wired the compass in, what did you do with wire 4P?

[1982gl4]

When you wired the compass in, what did you do with wire 4P?

wow sorry haven't been on here in a while! It didn't have a power or ground symbol next to it so I left it unhooked. I was having issues with mine up until tonight. I had it above my stereo and it tuns out that the heating controls are magnetized so it always pointed to the east. I moved it below the stereo, and re-calibrated it and it works fine now!

[Okin DaVanh]

Love the work on the GL (seen it on our local site) And I didn't know you had a 1st gen wagon??? Nice job with the 2nd gen spoiler.

[1982gl4]

Love the work on the GL (seen it on our local site) And I didn't know you had a 1st gen wagon??? Nice job with the 2nd gen spoiler.

Thanks! I have a bunch of threads all over the place, too many cars I think :smt004 The legacy gets dd duty during the winter months, it's been awesome so far. These are the best cars subaru ever made to date. Someday I'd like to find a touring wagon... As for updates I got a new Kenwood stereo for the old girl along with some JVC speakers, huge difference, I can actually hear the stereo over my exhaust now :smt020

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/15-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/12/24-1.jpg

And here's a shot of it outside with the rear hatch spoiler

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/32-1.jpg

[Okin DaVanh]

As always.... BadA$$ If there were a "Like" button, I'd hit it :wink:

What I can respect, is that you said you don't do bodywork, but yet tackled the green GC?? head on, and it came out good. Then seeing some of the other projects (and this) goes to show. A little time, patience and elbow grease gets you a long way. :smt023

[1982gl4]

Got my honda parts in today! Decided to do the wiper upgrade, it was well worth the money. It's the first time I've been able to see out of my rear window this winter I love it!
Pic!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/338-1.jpg

another pic
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/244-1.jpg

And a shot I took last week after playing in the snow.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/182-1.jpg

[98legwag]

Your car makes me want a 1st gen.

[1982gl4]

Your car makes me want a 1st gen.
Thanks! I've had every gen of legacy up until the newest one, and I have to say the first is my favorite, i don't know what there is about it, but when the built it, they got it right.

[Danny-G]

Super jealous of the "gt" rear badge. Hoping to find one for my car someday.

[1982gl4]

This week I ordered some projectors that I'm going to try and retrofit into some spare headlight assemblies that I have kicking around, as I'm very sick of the lighting they stock ones offer. The projectors won't be here until February sometime, but this is what I ordered
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/6-1.jpg

Even though my projectors wont come in for a while I decided to start the project anyway. I will make a DYI after I complete them, but for now I'll just post here to update progress.

Today so far I pulled the lights off from my parts car, this was rather easy as it was all apart and I only had to remove the three bolts that hold them in, and the bulb harness. I then cleaned the mold off from them.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/16-1.jpg

I then baked both lights (one at a time) for 15min at 250* placing some wood slats under them to keep them off the cookie sheet I was using. After that I used a small flathead to pry the lenses off carefully, both came off with ease.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/33-1.jpg

Now I need to start sanding the backside of the lenses to get them clear. I'll keep updating as I go.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/51-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

Not my picture but a guy on Legacy central did these for his 92 ss.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/0023-1.jpg
I've got a projector project kicking around too and the main thing thats hodling me back is sanding the fluting in the lenses.

[1982gl4]

That's basically what I'm going for. I plan on blacking mine out though like this
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/0034-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

I sanded down the fluting on the back side of the lenses, I started by using my 90* grinder. Which got rid of most of it.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/17-1.jpg

I couldn't reach the bottom side of the lens or the corners with the 90* grinder, so I then used the dremel tool I had kicking around to get to those areas.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/26-1.jpg

I then started sanding the lenses down with normal sand paper starting with some pretty course stuff, and that's as far as I have gotten as of now. I'll start using less course sand paper tomorrow and slowly working my way to a polished finish. I have to polish the outside of the lenses as well.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/34-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/43-1.jpg

[jamaha51]

Right on! I was planning on doing that when I retrofit my gen 2 lights and now I know for sure that I can do that.

[Chief]

wow nice work buddy!!! make the photos as they shine at night, plz!!

[1982gl4]

Thanks guys! Today I did more sanding, to the point where my fingers started to hurt.

These pics are with 400 grit paper.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/186-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/247-1.jpg

After that I moved on to my 3m headlight buffing kit

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/340-1.jpg

And then they looked like this
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/430-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/520-1.jpg

There are still a few light scratches that I want to remove, but I will have to get another buffing kit, as the one I was using is pretty much finished off. I've used it on three other cars already.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/615-1.jpg

[Okin DaVanh]

You might want to try re-visiting it with 600 800 and 1000 grit first, before getting another buffing pad. It will eliminate those small scratches easier than you trying to buff them out.

To remove compound, Wash it with dish-washing liquid. It' helps and won't haze it. To take it a step further, go with 1200-1500-2000 and use a powerball buffer going through all 3 steps (compound/wax/polish) and you might be surprised.

[1982gl4]

You might want to try re-visiting it with 600 800 and 1000 grit first, before getting another buffing pad. It will eliminate those small scratches easier than you trying to buff them out.

To remove compound, Wash it with dish-washing liquid. It' helps and won't haze it. To take it a step further, go with 1200-1500-2000 and use a powerball buffer going through all 3 steps (compound/wax/polish) and you might be surprised.

That's the plan, the 3m kit comes with sand paper in varying grits. I was going to do the whole process again. I need to get something that will get in the the corners as well, they make it look untidy. Thanks for the tips!

[Danny-G]

That's basically what I'm going for. I plan on blacking mine out though like this
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/01/0034-1.jpg
Did you get that picture from here? http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... 65&start=0 (http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=40965&start=0)
Thats the thread I got the headlight picture from. How much effort was removing the fluting from the lenses, on a scale of 1-10?

[1982gl4]

I got it off from my more local forum (the owner put it in my thread when I decided I was going to attempt projectors), but yeah that is the car! Removing the fluting isn't that hard, it's just time consuming, and it's very hard to get it perfectly clear. With the right tools i'd give it a five in difficulty, but if you were sanding it by hand it would take you eons.

[Danny-G]

I'm gonna be using a Black and Decker Mouse hand sander to start them switch to a Dremel for the corners and such, I've used the B&D sander before to clear the lenses from the outside. I'll probably be taking on the lense clearing within the next two months or so, gotta get a spare set of headlights first.

[1982gl4]

My projectors came yesterday so I did a bit of work on them this afternoon.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/187-1.jpg

I had to cut a small section of the bucket out.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/248-1.jpg

Painted them black.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/341-1.jpg

I also painted the chrome on the lenses black.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/431-1.jpg

I also rebuffed my lenses. There are a few scratches, but I think this is about as good as I'm going to get.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/521-1.jpg

Up next a round of epoxy.....

[Kansei]

thats going to look really good. i wish i could do something like this... retrofit my own projectors so i get better light output...

[1982gl4]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/188-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/249-1.jpg

The edges are becoming a pain.... Anyway I haven't put it back together yet this is just a mockup. I think they look pretty good. I'm glad I blacked them out too. There are some scratches, but I have buffed, and buffed them to no avail. regardless they will look, and work well when I have them in the car.

[1982gl4]

They work! And they have a good cut off on low beam. High beam not so much, but it's not like I'm going to be driving around high-beaming people. I can't wait to finish these up now. I didn't hook up the angel eyes yet. Now I have to do some epoxy work!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/342-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/250-1.jpg

Low beam
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/189-1.jpg

[92legacy-sti]

Those headlights are looking nice! Looking forward to seeing them finished and on the car.

[Chief]

yeah it's looks nice!

[anothernord]

Way cool! I haven't seem many 1st Gen retrofits done, and this looks really great.

[1982gl4]

Thanks everyone! There are a few people that have done it, I'm not sure why more haven't been done. The stock lights in these are not good at all. So I'm hoping they will be much better. I also picked up a turbo grill for it! So by the end of the week it should look a lot different from the front!

[Matty2Hotty]

I say set the projectors in the and do a vacuum mold of the inner housing to give it a OEM look. Either way, great diy.

[Danny-G]

Turbo grill makes these cars look so much better! If you can find color matched door handles that really cleans up the looks.

[1982gl4]

I can't wait for the turbo grill! I have a couple of the painted door handles. I still need two more if I remember right. I thought about doing the whole vacuum lens thing, but it seems like even more work, and money, and time. I think these will do fine. As of now I have epoxied the projectors in the housings. I need to wait for that to dry, and then I'm going to do a little more work to the lenses and put them back together, and in!!!

Setting up
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/251-1.jpg

I also used a small bit of silicone on the bottom of the housings to keep them from vibrating.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/190-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

So after another round with a 3m kit the lenses look like this
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/191-1.jpg

I'll be gluing them back together shorty! Then I'll be installing them, and aiming them. More pics later!

[1982gl4]

I started by clipping the top side of the lens before putting them in the oven, i then put them in the oven and let them cook for 15 min at 225*. After I was able to push the lens back on, and put the two bottom clips on.

Pics

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/192-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/252-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/343-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/432-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

That looks sweet!!

[1982gl4]

I now have them installed and wired in (minus the angle eyes, I'll be doing those another time) I also had to plastic weld my parking light/turn signal back in. I forgot they were attached to the headlight, and broke the mounts :lol: oh well at least it was an easy fix.

In
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/193-1.jpg

Low Beam
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/253-1.jpg

Low Beam (excuse the mess) And yes that radiator is functioning.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/344-1.jpg

High Beam
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/433-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/522-1.jpg

And a cool shot to end with!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/616-1.jpg

[Danny-G]

What color are you gonna put on the turbo grill?

[1982gl4]

I was lucky enough to find one in the factory white!

[nikolaus.conrad]

Sick!

[98legwag]

Looks very good.

[1982gl4]

Thanks! They still need to be aimed (they very high right now), but they are working great I got to test them out last night, and what a difference!

[LGT Kirby]

MOAR PICS!! Projectors are a little expensive for me right now, but they have been my #1 DIY since the first night I drove my car.. Such horrible lighting.

-Kirby

[1982gl4]

I will add some when I get my turbo grill installed, I can't wait for it to come in. For now this is what I have. I turned the adjusters down so I no longer am blinding oncoming drivers. They were pointed up in the trees, so glad that's fixed.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/254-1.jpg

This was before the adjustment so the cut off isn't as good, now it might be a bit low, but they are still so much better than the stock lights. They don't appear too bright coming at it as well. Much better than other Hid installs I've seen. I'm probably going to drive at it with another car sometime this week to see how they are on the other side of the road. I walked up my driveway at them and the didn't seem bad at all after adjusting the aim.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/434-1.jpg

I may black out my corner lights soon as well so they match my headlights a bit better as well.

[LGT Kirby]

Yeah you should do that. With the white grill in the middle, gonna be hotttt mane.

[1982gl4]

LTG Kirby you happen to be in luck because my new grill came in so I took a few shot! Enjoy!

Pic after I re painted it.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/18-1.jpg

Got my repainted emblem off from the old grill, it didn't want to let go being as cold as it is out.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/61-1.jpg

And some sweet pics
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/52-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/44-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/35-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/27-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

Wired in the angle eyes today. I just hooked them up to the parking lights for ease. I didn't want to mess around with a separate switch. I could always add one later if I feel needed. I'll get some pics up later tonight when it's darker and you can actually see them!

[chuckthefuk]

clean!

[SativaMan04]

Super clean!! This is such a clean 1st gen! I'm lovin the angel eyes!!

[1982gl4]

Thanks always nice to hear positive feedback! I got some pics of the angle eyes all wired in. I like them a lot, definitely not something you see everyday on a first gen legacy!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/28-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/02/110-1.jpg

[Tylerhartman]

Sexy leggy! You should go looking for a SS Turbo Hood now Scoops are good lol :D

[chuckthefuk]

+1

[LGT Kirby]

+2. Really like the grill and that emblem!! Ommmgggg.

[1982gl4]

Haha thanks guys. I think I may cut up an outback hood, and use that scoop on a spare first gen hood I have. As the factory legacy turbo hoods can be a bit hard to find, and the scoops really aren't that noticeable. That won't happen for a while though. Probably about the same time i decide to paint it.

[1982gl4]

Picked up a matching rear seat for this yesterday. Got some time to put it in today! It was kind of a pain to put the newer style rear seat in, as all the mounts are different. I swapped out the center one with the stock first gen, having to file one of the holes out. and the side mounts are the stock wrx ones, but I had to cut the outer pins that they sit on as they were hitting the plastic.


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/113-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/210-1.jpg

Also a pic of the wrx muffler.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/37-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

Looks great!

[1982gl4]

Thanks!

I'm not sure what is next for this, I may recover some of my door cards at some point just to see what I can do with them, and I was thinking of getting some whiteline rack bushings. I'm sure I'll find something to do to it soon!

[1982gl4]

Well found my next mod! Picked up a 97 outback today. I'm going to cut the scoop out of the hood and weld it to a spare 92 hood I have around. Should look nice!

[nikolaus.conrad]

A whole Outback? lol

[1982gl4]

A whole Outback? lol

Yeah, it's real rough. It has a lot of rust, and the engine burns both oil, and coolant. I'll take parts off it that I need, and the car itself will probably be used off road for quite some time as the drivetrain isn't worth selling.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Pics!! lol

[1982gl4]

As requested.

a couple pics.

It's too bad that i just finished installing a wrx interior, because this has heated leather, although not as comfy, it wouldn't have had to pay for it :roll:
So far I know I'll be taking the hood, and I was thinking about trying to retrofit the tweeters from the doors into my first gen. I'm sure there are more parts I'll be grabbing, Bumpers will be pulled off, and anything good, then I may try and lift it slightly, do the 50/50 mod to the 4eat, weld the rear diff, and have some fun.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/114-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/05/211-1.jpg

It doesn't look awful in the pics, but the floors are wicked rusty, and the rear subframe has developed a few holes.

[Danny-G]

I want your side skirts and rear lip! I would love to have a set of those for my turbo wagon.

[nikolaus.conrad]

Sounds like it should be fun lol Looks a lot like mine!

[1982gl4]

Ordered some UEL headers for this! I'll have to swap the cat with the one on the outback in order for them to work, but that should be very doable. I also met up with the owner of my old legacy, she's working at the state now, and can hook me up with some road signs, so this will hopefully have some bash plates for this winter!

[1982gl4]

Well I have installed the headers! They sound pretty decent, and they fit okay, I had to modify the oil pan as I have a larger 2.5 pan so they headers hit on that (nothing a hammer couldn't fix) I also had to put the newer style cat on so I could still pass state inspection, even if I do work at an inspection station I like my car being legal...

Here's a pic of them installed
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/116-1.jpg

And a sound clip
http://s1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb463/1982gl4/Leggy/?action=view&current=IMG_0890.mp4

I also changed the right front wheel bearing, as mine was making awful growling noises. So much nicer to drive now!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/1112-1.jpg

I also took a quick photo on the way home, came out pretty good for a phone pic, fall is really setting in here now.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/09/264-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

Definitely one of the coolest first gens on this forum! Keep up the great work!

[chrish8r]

Very clean looking. I love UEL headers!!

[1982gl4]

Thanks guys. I'm loving the headers so far! I'm really enjoying driving this car again, I missed it a lot this summer.

I will say I did in no way steal the sighs I'm using. They were given to me by the state garage down the street from where I work for this purpose.

Tonight I stayed after work for a while and decided to mount my road sign. Came out pretty well. I still have some more mounts to make for it and attach it in a few more spots. I also may add another small section that goes from the current skit plate to the transmission crossmember. Over all I'm very pleased with it.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/117-1.jpg

These are the rear mounts I made tonight using some square stock, nuts, and plate steel. They mount to the plate below the power steering rack.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/213-1.jpg

I also undercoated this last week. I'm doing my best to keep the rust and salt away. I used a new product I have never used before. Its called Fluid Film. I'm interested to see how it hold up over this winter. So far I'm very happy with how it sprayed, and how it has stuck to the car.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/10/39-1.jpg

[nikolaus.conrad]

I need to do some undercoating to my car, hopefully before they start spraying salt.

[1982gl4]

Anything to keep the salt away is a good idea that is for sure! I've seen cars last twice as long as they normally would from being undercoated every year.

[1982gl4]

Got some snow last night. The roads were quite bad, a lot of people were off the road due to ice even the plow trucks were having issues, as usual the Subaru had no issues at all.

For some reason this car always looks better in the winter.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/13-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/11/14-1.jpg

[rougeben83]

Really dig the DIY retrofit. More people should try it! I'm tempted to retrofit my family's minivan next.

[1982gl4]

Started working on this getting ready for winter/ an upcoming trip. I have a bunch left to do in the next week or so. But tonight I started by replacing the starter contacts, and buffing it as the paint was looking pretty sad.

Very worn starter contacts
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/1_zps10748a7c-1.jpg

Contact kit.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/2_zps05c2462f-1.jpg

New ones installed
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/3_zps8d1c0ecf-1.jpg

Cleaned up a bit, I have legacy turbo wheels on it for now as I have no need for studded snows for the trip I have planned.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/4_zps1517e988-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/5_zps733c282e-1.jpg

I still have to do the timing belt, plugs and wires, filters, all the hose clamps are looking rusty, radiator hoses trans and diff oil, touch up a couple of rust spots, and I now have to fix the passenger side seat belt as that stopped working the other day.

I also picked up a car that's a bit rarer than this one to use in the summer months I'll have to start a build thread for this too, but here is a teaser.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/5_zps55842bcc-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/6_zps2555b651-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

Got the timing belt done, tune up stuff all taken care of and undercoated the front half of it. I also changed the diff and trans oil, and put a new fuel filter in. Took me forever to do the timing belt because the bracket for the tensioner stripped out and I had to come home to get another one. It was a good thing due to the timing covers all being broken, I was able to grab the spare set I had at home. It should all be set now. I'll I need to fix is the seatbelt and it will be set for the road trip!

All new parts!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/1_zpscbb30950-1.jpg

Picture with the SS
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/10/2_zps0472f53a-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

I repainted my tail gate, as it was starting to show some rust here and there, about a moth ago. That turned into quite the project as all the paint I put on fell off about a week later and I had to do it over again. The other night I washed another layer of salt off the poor thing for starters. I than removed the rest of the ac as I had already removed the condenser during an emergency repair in North Carolina this fall when my cooling fans died (it has never had a charge in it since I have owned it, and the compressor was no good) so that is gone. And I'm trying out a new set of shoes. I think it looks pretty good with them!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/01/3_zps0d03c237-1.jpg

Took a while to clean them up from the brake dust that was stuck to them. Mothers aluminum polish worked wonders.

before
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/01/1_zpse5340fd5-1.jpg

after
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/01/2_zpsbe59edd7-1.jpg

In more recent news my sister backed into it yesterday. Luckily it just smashed my hellas off it. I'm think I'm going to make light bar, and mount 4 of them this time around in a triangle patter /\. Now I might have a reason to make that light bar I've been wanting to. Also thinking about going yellow lenses, any one have experience with them?

[twoheadedboy]

That wagon looks good with the GT wheels, and you're very lucky to have a first gen with zero rust!

[thenines']

Got three 1st gens myself :smt016 :smt023 Where you at in Vermont? Got most of my family there.

[1982gl4]

I do like it with the gt wheels much better. Not only do I have 1 first gen with no rust, my legacy SS is from oregon (parked right now as I don't want it to rust) and that car has a few dents, but it is even cleaner than this one! Then I have 3 parts cars that have a lot of rust. I'm located in the Montpelier area.

[thenines']

I do like it with the gt wheels much better. Not only do I have 1 first gen with no rust, my legacy SS is from oregon (parked right now as I don't want it to rust) and that car has a few dents, but it is even cleaner than this one! Then I have 3 parts cars that have a lot of rust. I'm located in the Montpelier area.
Haven't been to the Montpelier area in a while-most everyone lives north-I'll have to stop by this summer and check out all those great 1st gen leggys of yours :smt023

[Muse]

Wow, amazing car. Loving the snowflakes.

[1982gl4]

Montpelier is pretty nice. Never changes much, and there isn't a lot going on, but it's home, and like it here. I work right in town at a shop, I'm there all the time!
Thanks Muse, I really like the looks of it as well with the new gt wheels!
I ordered my lights they should be here in the next few days so i can start making a light bar, and replacing the smashed hellas.

[86bratman]

You guys think his legacys are sweet, you should see his older subies.

[1982gl4]

Started building my light bar last night. I attached it to the front tow hooks by welding a small bracket onto them, and the top is bolted to the bumper below the grill. I still have to add a lower bar, and drill all the holes for the light mounts, but when I'm finished it should be able to fit 6 hellas. I'm only doing four right now, but I have room to grow if need be! Some pics of the progress so far.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/1_zps31d6ec60-1.jpg

Top light mounts
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/2_zps02d1824c-2.jpg

Where the top brackets bolt to
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/3_zpsb570425b-1.jpg

Welded up, and that other bar, is the lower one which I will hopefully be fitting tomorrow, than it should be ready for paint/ drill holes for the light mounts.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/4_zpseb663d77-2.jpg

[1982gl4]

Got my light bar finished and installed tonight! I'm super happy with the way it came out. It's so much better than the old mount set up I had. I've wanted to make this light bar for as long as I've owned the car. I'm running out of things to do to it!

Here are some pics!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/1_zps586211a6-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/2_zps68587339-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/3_zpse1e1492e-2.jpg

I still need to hook up the center too lights, and aim them, but I should be able to get that done tomorrow.

[1982gl4]

Tonight I hooked up my hellas, and got them all working. We also got a new (really expensive) headlight aimer at work today, so I put that together during business hours and got to use it on my car tonight so I could learn how to use it. I aimed the two center ones as high beams, and the outers as low beams. I tested them out on the way home (when there was no oncoming traffic) They are super bright, so much better than the old hellas I had. Infact I'm glad my sister smashed them off my car, it turned out for the best!

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/2_zpsd59d5a5e-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/3_zpsdae8d0ea-2.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/1_zps956e37c9-2.jpg

[1982gl4]

Installed a new pcv, changed the oil, (up to 209k now!) and took it to boston last weekend to see a show. The Car went great as always 27mpg at 75mph and super high rpm due to the 4.11's. Oil consumption seems to be way down with the new pcv. I also repainted the hatch for the third time this year, the paint keeps falling off when I wash it. I took it back down to metal and washed it with dawn and scotch bright pad, and used different paint. I also used an adhesion promoter and cleared it when I was all done. It seemed to do the trick this time as it didn't fall off it when I washed it today. I also was able to order rear quarter seals that go around the wheel arches, mine are starting to fall off, although they can hold the salt in place, they keep the edges from getting sand blasted all winter long. I'll be putting those on after I do a little bit of rust work, the paint has started pealing back there as well now.

[anothernord]

How did you mount the bottom of the light bar? Did you bolt it into the tow hooks?

[1982gl4]

I welded a tab to the front of the tow hooks with a hole drilled into it and then ran a bolt through everything. So it's completely removable, and I still have the use of my tow hooks (which I use often)

[LeggyxPower]

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/02/2_zps68587339-1.jpg
.

Light Bar looks amazing man, i'm kinda jelly

[1982gl4]

Thanks man! I love it! Plus my lights don't rattle around anymore like they did with my old setup. They hella FF's work much better than the old hellas I used to have as well, they had a very poor beam pattern.

[1982gl4]

Something is making a hellacious noise in the front of this now... Seems to be doing it when I let the clutch out or under acceleration/deceleration. I'm thinking the trans mount or the motor mounts have given up. Could be the pitch stopper but I checked that when I got home. I also found the clunk I have been hearing in my front end. Looks like the steering u-joint has developed a very small amount of play. So it looks like I have some work to do. I'll put it on the lift tomorrow and see what is going on.

[1982gl4]

I found out what my clunk was today. The transmission crossmember had loosened up and was smacking around against the floor and the loose bolt. I know I tightened them very well when i did the swap, must be these roads are getting to them... At least it was an easy fix. Up next links and bushings all around, I'm going to go crazy if I have to listen to them any longer....

[1982gl4]

I haven't updated this in a long time, so far this year I have done a 4 wheel brake job, new rotors and pads, due to rust. Two years is about all I get out of them as the car doesn't see much action during the summer. All the paint has fallen off the hatch for the 4th time, and I need to repaint it. For now I just hit it with some fluid film to keep the metal from rusting, it seems to be holding up. I also had the header crack last week, and had to weld that where the flange to the cat is welded to the end of the header. I replaced the flex pipe again, this time I used a pipe joint, as they hold up better in my experience. The door seals are falling off both front doors, and it refuses to start sometimes, I need to add a relay to the signal wire. I really need to spend some time on this, and bring it back to 100%. It is still very solid, and holding up well to the rust, I just need to find some free time to work on it. My other projects (datsun, one of my VW's, and my first home purchase) are take up a lot of time. Here is the most recent photo I have.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/02/1_zpsaf359106-1.jpg

[1982gl4]

So I was noticing some noises coming from the rear of this car. Figured it was a strut as I have been traviling a lot of really, really rough dirt roads, going back and forth between my parents place, and the place I recently purchased. So I put it on the lift the other day to check it over. Turns out the sway bolts had loosened and fallen out of the body. It wore one of my links down, and ruined the threads in the body. I had to take the filler neck out and rethread the body, but everything seems to be ok for now. I have a lot of work to do after the Turbo comes out for the summer. I need to paint the rear hatch again... and touch up some other rust popping up here and there. I also need to replace or weld my header it has a hole in it, unfortunately it is on top of one of the pipes, so I need to remove it to weld it. Right now I'm just trying to make it to the end of the winter so I can start to fix this thing....

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/1_zpsmbneagef-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/2_zpskteca6yq-1.jpg

In front of the new place. Don't worry I have a garage.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/3_zpshcifvi3b-1.jpg

[Hinyo]

Things break so we can fix them!!!!! its the best part =P cause you feel so accomplished once its finished!!! keep at her